The Roman Treasure from Traprain Law

Talk by Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator, Iron Age & Roman Collections, National Museum of Scotland.

The Society is pleased to present this talk at 2.30 PM on Saturday 25th February, 2023 at the Maitlandfield House Hotel, Haddington.

Non-members welcome – a small donation appreciated.

Dr Fraser Hunter

Dr Fraser Hunter is based in the Department of Scottish History and Archaeology at the National Museum. His research focuses on the Iron Age and Roman periods, and seeks to put Scottish finds into their European context.

Research interests include archaeological approaches to Celtic art, the carnyx in Iron Age Europe, Iron Age material culture, and the impact of the Roman world. He is a prolific author with over 6 books and 200 papers to his name – including many with an East Lothian focus.

The Roman Treasure from Traprain Law

Excavated on Traprain Law in May 1919, this was one of the most spectacular discoveries of Roman silver ever made in Europe – and the biggest hoard found to date of ‘hacksilver’: 23kg, battered, crushed and chopped-up silver vessels.

An international team of scholars has reviewed the hoard’s origins and manufacture, its use as elite tableware, its hacking and later reuse. A century of new discoveries and ideas allow fresh conclusions, especially about the hacking. All to be revealed in his talk.

By eastlothianantiquarians

The East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists’ Society, established in 1924, is a membership organisation and a charity. Member events include outings and a copy of the Transactions for just £15/annum. We also welcome short contributions from members for the website.